Recently returning to AutoCad
Recently returning to AutoCad
(OP)
I'm about to return to AutoCad use after a gap of several years. My last regular use was ACAD12 for DOS. Can someone give be some idea of what's changed. I used a twin screen setup with Tablet/Digitizer along with pen plotters.





RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
Wow, are you in for a pleasant surprise! DOS CADD used to require a lot of typing effort. Now, it requires none, unless you count keyboard shortcuts, which, if they existed at all in R13, I'd never seen them until R14.
I can't even begin...but the sort answer is everything. Have fun.
Engineering is the practice of the art of science - Steve
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
I started out on ACAD 11 (which was of course DOS based). I migrated from there to 12 and then to 13 (first Windows based version I saw). I then did nothing with ACAD until about 6 months ago. So, I feel your pain. Just be prepared to get frustrated, especially if you've spent the last several years solid modeling like I did (PRO/E and Solid Works). AutoCAD sucks.
Alot has changed in Autocad, but there's alot that is the same. You will either have to have plenty of time to fool around with it or you will need to take a training class to get the most out of it. I still enter most of my commands at the command line (like in the old DOS versions). For me, its faster than searching for the correct icon. The Help system in ACAD is above average, so when you think you should be able to do something, but can't figure it out, start there.
I'm afraid I'm not much help. Just dig in and be patient. Hopefully you've got some time to learn.
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
I would think you will find AutoCAD evolved similar as Windows 3.1 to Vista.
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
I believe you should enjoy the changes, and you're lucky you missed the first few Windows versions.
Set up your icon toolbox with all of the common tools that you use, and you won't miss the tablet. Just use the mouse for (almost) everything; it will save time.
I still end up using the command line for snap settings, etc., and you can use it exclusively if you want. But the whole thing is so much easier to use with Windows-type interface controls and to integrate with other Windows programs, it just seems that you should jump right in and use them.
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
http://mechcad-insider.blogspot.com/
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
Have fun and remember "patience is a virtue"
Cadman
RE: Recently returning to AutoCad
I also still use the command line for about 60% of my entries, but find that slowly I am increasing icon use. The best will be to attend a training course and take it from there.
Ciao
Kobus